Roger Goodell: NFL union must concede more to get new CBA deal done

FORT LAUDERDALE -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league's owners "regret" the last collective bargaining agreement they signed in 2006 and need players to agree to concessions in order to make a new deal to avoid a potential work stoppage in 2011.

Goodell, in his annual address on the state of the NFL, also wouldn't wade into what he suggested was rhetoric on Thursday from NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith, who said the threat of a lockout in 2011 is a "14" on a scale of 1 to 10.

"I'm not much on rhetoric," Goodell said. "I like to get something done."

The crux of the dispute between the sides is how to divide the billions of dollars in revenue between players and owners. Owners want the players to recognize increased costs for infrastructure projects such as new stadiums and international ventures, while players don't believe that owners are facing the financial strife they claim.

"What you need to do is address the serious concerns that have been raised," Goodell said of the NFLPA, adding that there hasn't been enough productivity in the two sides' meetings. "In 2006, the owners addressed the serious concerns on the union."

Now, Goodell suggested, it's the players turn to give.

Smith reiterated on Thursday that the union wants the league to open up its books to prove that owners are experiencing financial strife. Goodell said he's willing to share data, to a point.

"We're all for transparency," he said. "Our players have a tremendous amount of economic data. Unfortunately, (opening up the books) is not the holy grail."

The players, Goodell said, have the "basic economic data to say the system isn't working."

Goodell said the NFL has generated $3.6 billion in incremental revenue since 2006 and claimed that $2.6 billion has gone to the players. "The owners are actually $200 million worse off than they were in 2006," he said. "So the system isn't working for one side.

"That's the point. It has to work for both sides."

Smith said the union would be unlikely to agree to a return of the salary cap if it expires next month, which will happen if no new deal is reached. Goodell, noting that Smith has extolled the cap's benefits before, said, "I would hope that he doesn't take things off the table that are good for the game."

But Goodell, who said earlier this week that an uncapped year in 2010 is "virtually certain" said the league is prepared to go on without it. "It's not the only way to keep the game competitive," he said. "The uncapped year, if we get there, will continue to be great football."

Among other issues Goodell discussed in his annual address:Jacksonville Jaguars: Goodell expressed concern about the future of the club that failed to sell out all of its home games but one this season. "Despite the economy and despite other factors, you can't continue to have an NFL team with 40,000 people in the stadium," he said. Still, he said the league will work with the team to find ways to improve attendance.

Overtime: No overtime changes are expected, Goodell said, though the league will continue to explore new solutions for resolving games that finish regulation in a tie. "We haven't been able to find a better solution," he said. "We actually think the rule is designed to win games in regulation. The players and the coaches all support the system."

Changes will be discussed, he said, "but I wouldn't hold your breath on that solution."

Los Angeles: A group has gotten clearance to build a new stadium in the Los Angeles area, but Goodell said there is no immediate plan to return a franchise to the nation's second-largest market. "I don't think we can guarantee a team will be there," he said. "We're all working hard to get a team back in the Los Angeles market."

A Super Bowl in New York: Goodell offered support for the joint bid by the Jets and Giants to host the Super Bowl in 2014 in their new stadium that's set to open next season. "I think there are real benefits to the considering it as an option," he said. "That's the way the game of football is played. To celebrate the game of football in the No. 1 market could have tremendous benefit to the league."

Michael Irvin: NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin was accused of rape in a suit filed by an unnamed woman in Florida. Irvin's lawyer denied the allegations, and Goodell said the league would look into it. "We'll obviously take it seriously and make sure we understand the facts," he said. "And then take the appropriate steps."

Donte' Stallworth: Goodell said he will reinstate the Browns receiver after the Super Bowl. Stallworth was suspended for the 2009 season after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter from the March 2009 death of Mario Reyes. -- Sean Leahy

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About Nate Davis

Nate Davis is a reporter, blogger and editor who's been at USA TODAY since 2000. He has covered the NFL since 2005. No, he did not play quarterback for Ball State. Davis' succession of our esteemed colleague Sean Leahy at The Huddle is considered a Brady-for-Bledsoe swap by most "insiders."More about Nate